Colombia’s film industry is booming, one example of that is the presence of four Colombian movies at the Cannes Film Festival this year and the increase in foreign crews travelling to make their movies here. But Colombian movies have long been full of talent and many have sneaked their way into the nation’s consciousness over the years. Here we present five of Colombia’s favorite comedies. (You can also read: Must-see Colombian movies)
Estrategia del Caracol
Estrategia del Caracol (“The Strategy of the Snail” in English) is one of Colombia’s best-loved movies, not least because of its star-studded cast, which includes popstar Carlos Vives. It was also directed by Sergio Cabrera, one of the nation’s favorite directors. Not only is this 1993 film darkly funny, it is also full of Colombia’s “where there’s a will, there’s a way” spirit as a group of low-income tenants in an old Bogota house come up with an ingenious plan to avoid eviction.
El Embajador de India
“Seize the moment” could be the motto for this typically Colombian film, a 1987 comedy which tells the story of a traveller who is mistaken for a foreign diplomat (the Indian Ambassador). Unwilling to miss taking advantage of the possibilities on offer, he takes on his new identity and manages to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes. The film was written and directed by Mario Ribero and based on a true story.
Mamá, Tómate La Sopa
Director Ribero seems to have a way with comedy and Mamá, Tómate La Sopa followed in 2011. This black comedy tells the story of Vicente, a 40-year-old single guy who lives with Berta, his over-protective mother. His troubles begin when his mother discovers he is having a fling with the local hairdresser and immediately orders him to marry his boring girlfriend. Things go from bad to worse when Vicente decides to ignore her and leave home but, in doing so, manages to run her over.
El Paseo
Alex Peinado hasn’t taken a vacation in 11 years and in this 2010 comedy decides, finally, to travel to Cartagena from Bogota with his wife, mother-in-law, two teenage children and their dog, Kaiser. Of course, everything that could go wrong on a Colombian road trip does go wrong and one event after another puts his much-deserved break in peril. The film was a box office hit for director Harold Trompetero. (You can also read: Colombia, destination for shooting of foreign films)
Golpe de Estadio
This 1998 film (Time Out in English) was another hit for Sergio Cabrera, at a time when the country badly needed a laugh. It tells the story of a small village in the south-east of Colombia where, due to the presence of an oil company camp, the guerrilla clashes constantly with the authorities. One clash is so severe it leaves the village without television coverage, a disaster considering Colombia is progressing in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers. Only one television set in the region still works, and both sides want to watch it. (You may also enjoy: Yes we Cannes: Colombia’s hottest movie directors)
Want to see movies that will make you laugh until your sides hurt? The answer is Colombia. If you liked this article please feel free to share it on facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or any of your social networks.
